EcoSure launches Pamwepo/Sisonke cover for churches and social groups

ECOSURE, a micro-insurance brand from Cassava Smartech, has unveiled a new package called EcoSure Pamwepo/Sisonke in an effort to ensure that churches and other social groups have access to affordable insurance cover. This comes as Zimbabwe’s hyperinflationary environment has significantly wiped out people’s disposable incomes as prices of goods and services continue to rise on…

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New research will improve early warning of devastating mega storms

For the first time, researchers can predict how extremely large West African storms may behave when, for example, they approach a cityBy Future Climate for Africa and Researchers at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) Ground-breaking scientific research will make it easier to predict the path of some of the world’s most powerful…

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4 Hard-To-Ignore Reasons Why You Should Use AI To Make More Intelligent Products

By Bernard Marr Thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and advances in sensor technology, a whole host of everyday products are getting smarter. We have smart TVs and smartwatches. We have smart running shoes – or rather, smart insoles – that gather data on your running performance. You can even get smart nappies that send…

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The Glue Virtual Platform, a first by a Zimbabwean

Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services has hailed the groundbreaking innovation by Zimbabweans who conceived and developed the Glue Virtual Platform. Speaking during the launch today, Dr. Muswere said as a brainchild of Zimbabwean born Professor Richard Chinomona, the Glue Virtual Platform is a proudly African product that…

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New Higherlife Foundation programme to help childbirth

Philanthropist and pan-African businessman Strive Masiyiwa is mobilizing funds to support the maternal, child-birth sections of Zimbabwe’s largest referral hospitals. Masiyiwa’s action follows recent media reports of seven babies that were reportedly stillborn in one night at one of the country’s largest referral hospitals, after urgent treatment was said to have been delayed due to…

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AU Commission inaugurates AfCFTA permanent secretariat as a launchpad for Africa’s economic transformation

The African Development Bank Group provided a $5 million institutional support grant to the AU towards the establishment of the AfCFTA secretariat At a ceremony on Monday to commission the permanent secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo and Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission,…

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ZRBF PROGRESS provides stockfeed for 2250 Households in Beitbridge District

By Anyway Yotamu In Beitbridge District, 2 250 households are receiving supplementary subsidized livestock feed from the Program for Growth and Resilience (PROGRESS) under the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF) in the wake of the drought being experienced in the country. The intervention is being implemented as part of adaptive programming to the resilience-building efforts…

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Communities plunged into vulnerability

By Habakkuk Trust The prevailing harsh economic conditions coupled with the devastating impacts of climate change have plunged communities into the doldrums of vulnerability.  Growing food insecurity is the norm in most rural areas as the Government’s Food Insecurity Mitigation Program seems to fail to cope with increasing vulnerability in rural households. The situation which…

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To Stay Ahead of the Next Insect Outbreak, Harness Available Data Intelligence

Recently, the UK contributed £17 million to support the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to continue their efforts to combat the desert locust surge in East Africa and improve early warning and forecasting systems.  Because of contributions like this and other contributions that have been made by countries including Germany, Saudi…

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What Is The Artificial Intelligence Revolution And Why Does It Matter To Your Business?

By Bernard Marr As a species, humanity has witnessed three previous industrial revolutions: first came steam/water power, followed by electricity, then computing. Now, we’re in the midst of a fourth industrial revolution, one driven by artificial intelligence and big data. I like to refer to this as the “Intelligence Revolution.” But whatever we call it – the fourth…

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Facebook launches Avatars across Sub-Saharan Africa

Avatars include hundreds of global sticker packs and integrations with GIF providers and can also be shared across Facebook and Messenger Facebook (https://www.Facebook.com/) yesterday, launched Avatars in Africa to give people new ways to express themselves online. Avatars are digital personas that enable people to engage across Facebook and Messenger in a more personal and…

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Zimbabwe’s RBZ Farm Mechanisation Scheme and its Contribution to the Public Debt Burden

By Zimcodd Over the last two decades, Zimbabwe has experienced several unprecedented socioeconomic and political shocks and stresses. Consistent shortages of food, pharmaceuticals, fuel, run-away year-on-year inflation rate of 737.26% (June 2020), a 95% unemployment rate, and poverty are some of the indicators of Zimbabwe’s current macroeconomic crisis. With an estimated domestic debt burden of…

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Harnessing the power of needs assessments in African countries

By Charles Dhewa Needs assessments are some of the most under-rated and under-utilized resources in African countries.  Development agencies that often start some work in communities with a baseline study often do so for purposes of getting donor money as opposed to fully informing and guiding their interventions. In some cases, the baseline study is…

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Energy provision: An engineer will resolve crisis in Zimbabwe

By Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi Following the energy challenges that Zimbabwe has been going through, there were expectations that the next Minister of Energy was going to be a leading engineer and definitely not an accountant Cde Soba Zhemu who followed the lawyer Cde Fortune Chasi. The true definition of an Engineer is a creative…

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Community Information Centres to address misinformation in the fight against COVID-19

Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services has said COVID-19 has exposed how misinformation poses one of the greatest security threats of our time. The Minister made the remarks while officially opening the Maphisa Community Information Centre in Matebeleland South Province today. He alluded to the COVID-19 media briefing on 6…

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Awakening the entrepreneurial spirit of every young African is key to the continent’s future

The webinar, themed Investing in Africa’s Future: Youth Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship, invited a range of private and public sector representatives to discuss the challenges young African entrepreneurs face The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) joined a number of development leaders in calling for greater support of youth entrepreneurship during a virtual event organized by the Tony…

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Google, Nokia back HMD Global in funding round

Handset manufacturer HMD Global secured $230 million in funding to help accelerate growth plans, with Reuters naming Google, Qualcomm and Nokia Technologies among its investors. The company, best known for producing Nokia-branded handsets, noted the cash would be used to pursue growth in four target areas. Its aims are: make its 5G devices accessible globally, citing a…

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7 of the Safest Places to Visit in Africa in 2020

By Thomas Quarry Meta Title: Africa’s Safest Locations in 2020 Meta Description: Africa offers you ample opportunity to enjoy everything this continent has to offer, from food to pristine beaches and roaming wildlife. Find out which countries have the lowest crime rates and are considered safe for tourists. African countries are like a limitless treasure…

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Fascinating Examples Of How Blockchain Is Used In Insurance, Banking And Travel

By Bernard Marr Blockchain technology promises to revolutionize many aspects of how we do business and if you believe the blockchain hype (of which there is plenty), may even be as disruptive as the internet was before it. Despite this, practical, real-world examples of blockchain technology can be a little thin on the ground –…

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Standard Chartered and Airtel Africa form a partnership to drive financial inclusion across Africa

Standard Chartered and Airtel Africa will work together to co-create new, innovative products aimed at enhancing the accessibility of financial services Standard Chartered Bank (www.SC.com) and Airtel Africa have today announced a strategic collaboration to drive financial inclusion across key markets in Africa by providing customers with increased access to mobile financial services. Through the…

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Journalists petition President Mnangagwa, regional and international bodies to restore media freedom and security

Various media lobby groups in Zimbabwe have today petitioned President Mnangagwa, the police, local, regional and international organisations as well as media representative bodies where they registered their concern on the deteriorating freedom and security for the media in the country. Below, Spiked Online Media reproduces the petition: Attention: Zimbabwe President, His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa…

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Tourism: COVID-19 responses must not undermine solidarity and confidence

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General, World Tourism Organization This goes hand-in-hand with a responsibility to preserve the spirit of international solidarity that has characterized our response to this shared crisis, a response that has included international institutions, the civil society at large and individual citizens. Again and again, the pandemic puts us to the test and…

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Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo Joins the African Energy Chamber’s Advisory Board

South African businesswoman, engineer, and natural gas expert Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo has joined the African Energy Chamber’s (www.EnergyChamber.org) Advisory Board for 2020 and 2021. Nosizwe will be advising and supporting the work of the Chamber within its Natural Gas and Local Content committees. Nosizwe was one of South Africa’s first woman petrochemical engineers, and has built…

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Cassava Fintech International and Liquid Telecom Group partner to launch Sasai Wi-Fi Finder

…Service to accelerate digital and financial inclusion in Africa Cassava Fintech International (CFI) and the Liquid Telecom Group (LTG) have announced the launch of Sasai Wi-Fi Finder, a potential game-changer in driving digital and financial inclusion in Africa. The service, which will be offered across the continent, was announced today, and is set to be…

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All set for 12 August 2020 Entrepreneurship Conversation

… Entrepreneurship is pivotal to the sustainability of all economies Be part of the Transformational Mindset Institute’s transformative Entrepreneurship Conversations tomorrow 12 August 2020 as they host international speaker practitioners. The United Kingdom-based Award-Winning Entrepreneur Efe Ohwofasa, the founder & CEO of Focus Guru will be one of the speakers. Efe has trained extensively in…

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These 3 Business Functions Could Be Transformed By VR

By Bernard Marr Is virtual reality (VR) finally going mainstream? The availability of affordable, consumer-friendly VR headsets like Oculus Go would certainly suggest so. But what I find really encouraging is the increasing use of VR outside the realms of gaming and entertainment. All types of businesses are enthusiastically embracing VR. For me, seeing businesses…

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Kudzanai Vere and colleagues tackle international business strategies

By Lovemore Chazingwa Leading motivational and transformational coach, Kudzanai Vere has attracted global attention with his weekly Entrepreneurship Conversations hosted over social media platform Zoom, where he engages gurus on the international business arena. The Conversations are co-hosted by the founder and chief executive officer of TEK Entrepreneurship and lecturer at Synergy University, (UAE), Oluwatosin…

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ITC, World Bank publishes new report on addressing non-tariff measures in Pakistan

A new report published by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the World Bank Group reveals that more than half of Pakistani exporters struggle with domestic and foreign regulatory barriers. Trade regulations in areas such as testing, certification and licensing are challenging for 60% of Pakistan’s agricultural exporters. This is largely because most countries have…

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The rising prominence of communication, thanks to COVID19

By Charles Dhewa In much of the world including developing countries, COVID19 has repositioned communication as the key driver in project implementation. Before the pandemic, many organizations were reluctant to increase the communication budget. Working from home and restrictions in the movement have seen ICT channels and tools moving to the centre of most communication…

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Why the AfCFTA Could Be the Game-Changer for the Continent’s Economies

By Own Correspondent Most economists see structural transformation as one of the main routes to Africa’s sustainable development. What it means is changing the share of agriculture, manufacturing, and services in an economy. It is a central aim of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.  With this aim in mind, economists and policymakers need to know…

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How African farmers are dealing with bad news brought by COVID-19

By Charles Dhewa From the Masaai livestock owners in Kenya failing to access veterinary products to farmers in Lupane district of Zimbabwe failing to access usual markets due to lockdowns, COVID19 has resulted in uniform collective grief among food producers across Africa. To the extent dealing with droughts, locusts, fall army worm and other shocks…

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Old Mutual Zimbabwe Donates PPE Worth over 250 000 Rand to St Anne’s Hospital

Yesterday, Old Mutual Zimbabwe and its local subsidiaries, including Cabs Zimbabwe, handed over a consignment of personal protective equipment worth 250 000 Rand to St. Anne’s Hospital. The donation is part of Old Mutual’s pledge to contribute towards the fight against COVID-19 in Zimbabwe. The consignment donated included 34 200 gloves, 16 000 masks, 5…

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Climate change impacts tourism: Minister Ndlovu

Climate change impacts on the tourism sector and vice-versa hence the need for sustainable management of the natural phenomenon as well so as to create opportunities for the sector, Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu has said. The Minister of Environment, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu speaking at the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Indaba in Victoria…

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Germany to Ramp Up Investment in African Energy

An exclusive webinar explored the market dynamics set to shape post-COVID-19 German-African business relations “Germany-Africa Economic Relations: Making Deals Post COVID-19” highlighted opportunities for German businesses in Africa’s power production, clean energy, and digitalization and technology sectors; An opening keynote was given by H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of the…

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UNFPA releases over $2.5 million for GBV and SRHR services during the COVID19 pandemic

…Prevention and response to Gender Based Violence for women and girls at risk to be prioritised Harare, 7 August 2020 – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has released over $2.5 million to support the Government of Zimbabwe and various implementing partners to continue providing quality sexual reproductive health and Gender-Based Violence services during the…

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President Mnangagwa launches National Tourism Recovery Plan, reopens Vic Falls Rainforest

By Anyway Yotamu in Victoria Falls President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday launched the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy and reopened the Victoria Falls rainforest after 109 days of closure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking in Victoria Falls yesterday President Mnangagwa said, “The tourism growth strategy is anchored on vision 2030 and tourism sector…

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ZNOART clarifies issues affecting residents to Minister Oliver Chidau

The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trusts (ZNOART) has written a letter to Senator Oliver Chidau, the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province outlining its mandate and the challenges facing residents, particularly in Harare and Bulawayo. Below, Spiked Online Media reproduces the ZNOART letter to Minister Chidau: Hon O Chidhau Minister of…

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TelOne connects Zambia and Zimbabwe through the fibre optic link project

The Makuti-Chirundu Fibre Optic Link project is part of TelOne’s network modernisation drive meant to connect Zimbabwe to Zambia and beyond. This was revealed by Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of ICTs, Postal and Courier Services yesterday while presiding at the official commissioning of the Makuti – Chirundu Fibre Optic Link, a project which was…

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Afreximbank Donates $1.5 Million to Support Tropical Cyclone Idai Relief Efforts

Afreximbank Wins Two EMEA Best Structured Finance Awards

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has been recognized by EMEA Finance’s 12th African Banking Awards for two transactions processed under its Intra-African Trade Initiative. Afreximbank was recognized for its leading role in the $737 million bundle of guarantee facilities granted to Elsewedy Electric Group and The Arab Contractors for the construction of the Rufiji Dam and Hydropower…

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EIB and Afreximbank direct EUR 300m of support to African COVID response

4th  August 2020:- ·         Accelerated EIB financing under Team Europe initiative ·         Over 25% of funds dedicated to women in business and climate action ·         Pan-African rapid response to alleviate COVID-19 impact and support climate action ·         Scheme to support trade and ensure medical supplies continue The European Investment Bank (EIB), the lending arm of the European Union, and the…

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Sasai launches new ‘Moments’ video-sharing and the social networking feature

: Sasai has launched Sasai Moments, a new social media networking and short video sharing capability. Sasai Moments will allow the App’s users to experience, capture, post and share videos, audio notes, pictures and user location tags, among other features. This will be driven mostly by user-generated content along the same lines as TikTok. The…

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